Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
A DEXA scan, or Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan, is a great way to evaluate both bone density and body composition. DEXA scans are preferred over other methods because they provide high-quality and accurate measurements that are unbeatable compared to others.
However, you might be wondering, are DEXA scans safe? The answer, emphatically, is yes. DEXA scans are very safe and are even safe to repeat every year. In fact, they are considered one of the safest medical imaging scans available.
If you’re looking for a DEXA scan, Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas is your trusted partner. In addition to high-quality DEXA scans, we offer numerous imaging tests to check nearly every aspect of your health, from your cardiovascular system to cancer screenings.
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What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is a body scan that primarily tests two things — bone density and body composition. A DEXA scan is the best way to check bone density for conditions such as osteoporosis, and is the best way to determine body composition, including fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat, and distribution.
DEXA scans provide highly accurate information, which is why they’re often used by athletes and doctors. While the scans are similar to a traditional X-ray, they use far less radiation and are able to be repeated yearly or even every six months.
How Much Radiation Does a DEXA Scan Use?
Like an X-ray, A DEXA scan uses X-ray radiation to scan the body. However, unlike a traditional X-ray, a DEXA scan uses only a tiny bit of radiation.
To put the use of radiation into perspective, everyone on earth absorbs a tiny amount of radiation each day by simply existing. It’s picked up from the sun, from the atmosphere, and the environment in general.
A single DEXA scan generally uses less radiation than the typical person experiences in a day simply existing on earth.
How Does the Radiation Compare To Other Medical Imaging Tests?
Compared to other imaging tests, a DEXA scan generally uses less radiation. For example, a chest X-ray uses about 10 to 100 times more radiation. A typical mammogram, up to 400 times more, a CT scan even more than that.
All of these procedures are absolutely safe, and a DEXA scan uses considerably less radiation. This is why they’re often recommended by physicians and used regularly by athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Is a DEXA Scan Painful or Invasive?
No! A DEXA scan is completely painless and absolutely non-invasive. There are no needles, injections, medications, or anything else. If you would like a DEXA scan, you can simply show up as normal.
During the scan, you’ll lie on a comfortable table as a scanning arm moves over your body. You’ll only need to remove your jewelry and anything else from your body made of metal.
During the scan you’re never enclosed, so it’s suitable for patients with claustrophobia. Some patients even describe the procedure as “relaxing”, and the procedure only takes about 15 to 30 minutes. There is no sedation or recovery time whatsoever.
Should Anyone Avoid or Postpone a DEXA Scan?
Although DEXA scans are safe, there is one situation where you’ll want to postpone having a scan — pregnancy.
Since the scan does use radiation, if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you should inform your healthcare provider first. Although the radiation dose is extremely low, all imaging tests involving radiation are typically avoided during pregnancy, including DEXA scans.
Why Do the Benefits of Early Detection Outweigh the Minimal Risks?
Like all our scans at Preventative Diagnostic Center, a DEXA Scan is a powerful tool to understand your health. Understanding your health does two primary things — it allows you to uncover hidden diseases and gives you information about your health you can use to reduce the likelihood of diseases in the future.
When diseases are caught early, almost universally they are easier to treat and involve less-invasive treatments. When you have a full picture of your health, like a DEXA scan helps to provide, you can also make changes in your routines, such as your eating and exercise habits, that can both improve the quality of your life and extend it.
Compared to the tiny dose of radiation a DEXA scan provides, these insights far outweigh any small drawbacks that might be present.
Get Your DEXA Scan at Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas Today
Contact Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas today to schedule your DEXA scan and receive valuable insights on your health. We provide safe, accurate, and private scans at a convenient location.